As the oyster fishery wraps up the season, fishers in Bedeque Bay are expressing satisfaction with new on-shore facilities which opened earlier this year. The new Hurd’s Point trailer site was developed by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association, the Central Development Corporation and the federal government. It provides a launching and camping area for the oyster fishery during the spring and summer season. It will be open to the public following the close of the oyster fishery.
“We are happy to be part of the development of these expanded facilities to serve the needs of approximately 400 oyster fishers in Bedeque Bay who account for 60 percent of the oysters harvested in Prince Edward Island waters,” said Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Allan Campbell. “There will also be significant benefits provided to a variety of community-based activities as a result of the project.”
The site can accommodate up to 60 trailers with full service three-way hookups. It consists of an above-ground field tile system and central sewage collection, a new well and central water system, electrical service and a central washroom/laundry/utility room. The four acre site is owned by the Shellfish Association.
The site will be operated by the Central Development Corporation in partnership with the Shellfish Association. It will be used as a camping and festival site and for other events following the oyster season.
“Primary industries such as the oyster fishery have always been and continue to be critical to rural economies,” said Norman Gallant, chair of the Central Development Corporation. “We are pleased to assist the Shellfish Association with this important initiative.”
The Central Development Corporation is the lead rural economic development agency for the central region of Prince Edward Island.
“Bedeque Bay is the backbone of our oyster fishery”, said Clifford Bernard, president of the Shellfish Association. “Our association has been working to develop oyster grounds in Bedeque Bay for more than 30 years. These new accommodations are critical to address the needs of our oyster fishers.”
The landed value of the oyster fishery last year was in excess of $5.5 million.
“I am pleased to have been able to work closely with both the Shellfish Association and the Central Development Corporation to make this project a reality,” said Mr. Campbell. “This is part of our continued efforts to maintain and strengthen jobs and growth in rural communities across the province.”